Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Chapter 18

A faint sound of running water echoed through the phone.

Briony's breath hitched, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Irwin's fever still hasn't broken. The tests say he has acute bronchitis and pneumonia-he needs to be admitted for IV treatment."

Rosita's voice instantly tightened with worry. "How could this happen? Wasn't he perfectly fine when Stewart dropped him off this morning?"

The accusatory tone made Briony's brow furrow. "Ms. Lockwood, I have to remind you—Irwin's health is fragile. He has a long list of dietary restrictions."

With that, Briony ended the call.

She clenched her phone and glanced at Irwin, who lay on the hospital bed, sweating and restless even as he slept. A burning frustration twisted in her chest, making it hard to breathe.

A nurse came in and started Irwin's IV.

After about fifteen minutes, Irwin began to sweat, and his fever finally started to subside.

Just then, the door to the room swung open.

Stewart and Rosita hurried inside.

"Irwin!"

rushed to the bedside, tears streaming as she saw

cheek and called gently,

and when he saw Rosita, he

right here!" Rosita stroked his face, voice thick with emotion. "Don't be afraid, sweetheart. I'm right here with

"Mom, don't go...'

harder, her love and worry for Irwin moving everyone in the

fluttered closed, and

if

over, pulling a handkerchief from his pocket and handing it to her. "Irwin's just resting. Try not

handkerchief and, without a word, buried herself in Stewart's arms. "It's all my fault. If I hadn't had such a difficult labor, Irwin wouldn't be so weak now. I've ruined

things like that." Stewart wrapped one strong arm around her shoulders, patting her gently. "Irwin would be upset if he

Stewart murmured soothing words, comforting her the

silently at the foot of the bed, watching everything unfold. Pain pricked at her chest, sharp and relentless,

had no

a word, Briony slipped out of the room. As she turned the corner, she nearly collided with Fiona,

aside, but before she could react, Fiona raised her hand and slapped